Common Fears in children

Fear is an emotion that can help kids be cautious. Things that are new, big, loud or different can seem scary at first. Parents and teachers can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease.

What do children feel afraid of?

 Children feel afraid of changes as they grow. Some fears are common and normal at certain ages.

For example:

 When babies are about 8–9 months old, they can recognize the faces of people they know. That’s why new faces can seem scary to them, even a new babysitter or relative. They may cry or cling to a parent to feel safe.

The scary monsters they imagine seem real. They fear what might be under their bed or in the closet. Many are afraid of the dark and at bedtime. Some are afraid of scary dreams. Young kids may also be afraid of loud noises, like thunder or fireworks.

Preteens and teens may have social fears. They might feel anxious or afraid before they give a report in class, start a new school, take a big exam or play in a big game.

How to deal with Fears and phobias in children

  • Comfort the child by saying, “It’s OK, you’re safe, I’m here.” Let your child know you’re there to protect them. Give hugs and soothing words to help your child feel safe.
  • Help the child put feelings into words. Help children try new things.
  • For a young child who’s afraid of the dark, have a soothing bedtime routine. Read or sing songs and stories. Let the child feel safe and loved.
  • Limit the scary images, movies or shows children watch. These can cause fears.
  • Help kids and teens learn to prepare for challenges, like tests or class reports. Let them know you believe in them.

Most kids cope with normal fears with gentle support from their parents and teachers. As they grow, they get over the fears they had at a younger age.

Children’s Safety in Pre-School

Pre-school teachers across the globe use creative techniques like these to help their students calm down so learning can take place. Not only do teachers need clever classroom management strategies up their sleeves, but they also need to make sure their classroom is a safe place that promotes learning.

 

A well-organized classroom that has safety procedures in place not only makes students feel more secure but also shows parents their children are being well cared for.

Tactics for Preschool Classroom Safety:

Preschool classroom safety tips:

  • Keep dangerous supplies out of reach

Scissors, bulletin board tacks, glue – all things that shouldn’t be easily accessible for preschool-aged kids. Make sure to keep any sharp objects, choking hazards, poisonous materials and other potentially hazardous supplies on a high shelf or locked away in a cupboard.

  • Wash your hands

Regular hand washing is a standard procedure for most classrooms, but it’s also one that many preschoolers haven’t fully grasped yet. Set a good example by getting in the habit of properly washing your hands yourself. Be sure the water is warm but not too hot for that delicate pre-schooler skin. Make hand washing a typical part of your daily routine before and after mealtimes, after bathroom breaks and during other messy moments in the day.

  • Be prepared for injuries. Have at least one person with up-to-date training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on-site at all times.
  • Check for drawstrings around the hood and neck of children’s outerwear and clothing. Recommend to parents that they purchase clothing using fasteners, such as snaps, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro).
  • Teach children how to properly use scissors and other supplies.
  • Make sure all electrical outlets contain safety caps.
  • Watch toddlers when using natural environmental play materials like water, sand, earth, plants, and flowers to keep them from putting these materials in their mouth. Teach children that only food should be put in the mouth.
  • Check all games and puzzles for possible choking hazards.
  • Teach children how to use playground equipment safely (such as going down the slide feet first).
  • Ensure that all indoor and outdoor play equipment suits children’s ages and developmental abilities.

Teach children to practice safe and appropriate behaviour and to know and use designated play areas.

Children at Gadgets: The Good and the Bad

Technology plays a key role in many aspects of our lives. Children using Electronic Gadgets at a younger age are increasingly exposed to certain social and health risks.

Before we handover any gadget to the child let’s take a look at the good side and the bad side of it

The Good Side

It helps children develop their cognitive skills

Technology has made different activities within reach. Playing, scribbling, and even competing are made even more accessible. A wide selection of interactive and educational apps as well as games will help children develop their analytical skills. Playing video games for an hour every day can improve children’s performance on some cognitive tasks because the mental processes involved are the same.

They know where to find information when they need it.

Schools teach kids new things every day, but having access to a gadget also allows them to learn whenever they want. If the child wants to learn about a new hobby or research about their homework on their own, online access is a must. They also get to discover new interests with the help of their gadgets whether it is reading short stories online or watching Educational videos on YouTube.

 It’s a great source of entertainment.

It also provides a great deal of fun because of the content available online such as games, cartoons, and other entertaining videos.

The Bad Side

They become sedentary

Kids who are too engrossed with their gadgets tend to have less physical activities. They would rather stay home and skip outdoor activities such as playing with other kids or committing to any sports. This leads to a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits and time management as well as poor health.

Inappropriate content is everywhere

With access to gadgets, kids are also exposed to different types of content and that is something parents cannot control. Internet connectivity allows them to go to websites that should not be accessed, read or watched by kids.

They become less sociable

Gadgets take the kids away from family time and outdoor activities. During the social gathering, they tend to just stay in one corner and get lost in the virtual world of their screens. This may also affect the way they communicate and express themselves in the future.

They lose track of time

Once the child becomes addicted to these devices, they will start to lose track of time and forget other important things they should be doing such as eating, doing their homework, or even sleeping. Using smartphones and computers are the most popular activities pre-bedtime.

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